How to Dance Basic Breakdancing Moves

Written by ALEKSEI SHCHECHKIN on September 17, 2024.

Breakdancing, also known as breaking or b-boying/b-girling, is one of the four foundational pillars of hip-hop culture, alongside DJing, MCing, and graffiti. Since its emergence in the 1970s in the Bronx, breakdancing has evolved into a global phenomenon, blending athleticism, rhythm, creativity, and self-expression. While advanced power moves like windmills, flares, and airflares tend to grab the spotlight, the foundation of breaking lies in its basic moves.

Mastering these core elements is essential for any aspiring breaker, as they provide the framework for building complexity and creativity. In this article, we’ll explore the basic moves of breakdancing, discussing their techniques, significance, and how they fit into the broader structure of the dance.

Toprock

Toprock refers to the upright dancing breakers perform before transitioning to more complex moves on the floor. It is a dynamic set of steps performed while standing, and it showcases rhythm, style, and musicality. Toprock allows breakers to express themselves and engage with the beat of the music, setting the tone for their performance.

Key Toprock Moves

Indian Step: One of the most recognizable toprock steps, the Indian step involves alternating leg kicks while crossing and uncrossing the arms. This step highlights rhythm and flow.
Side Step: A basic move where the breaker steps side-to-side, often with arm movement or body sways to emphasize musicality.
Cross Step: Involves crossing one leg over the other and returning to the original position, helping breakers transition smoothly between different toprock patterns.

Toprock is about more than just footwork—it is an introduction to the breaker’s style and personality. The way a breaker performs their toprock can set them apart, making it a crucial element in both battles and cyphers (dance circles).

Go Downs (Transitions)

A go down is the transition from toprock to downrock (floorwork). While often understated compared to more acrobatic moves, a clean, creative go down is important for a smooth and stylish entry into floor moves. The go down helps maintain flow, ensuring that the breaker’s movement doesn’t feel disjointed or abrupt.

Common Go Downs

Corkscrew: The breaker spins down to the floor in a fluid, twisting motion, combining speed and elegance.
Drop Step: A simple yet effective way to move from standing into a crouched position by stepping backward and lowering the body to the floor.
Knee Drop: The breaker drops onto one knee before hitting the floor, adding a sharp dynamic to the transition.

The quality of a breaker’s go down can set the stage for their downrock and power moves. When done well, it contributes to the overall flow of the performance, making transitions seamless and engaging.

Downrock (Footwork)

Downrock, often referred to as footwork, is the part of breakdancing performed on the floor with hands and feet supporting the body. Footwork is the heart of breaking, combining speed, precision, and creativity. It allows the breaker to showcase their control, rhythm, and technical prowess.

Basic Downrock Moves

Six-Step: The most fundamental downrock pattern, the six-step involves circular motion with alternating hand and foot placements around the body. It is often the first move beginners learn and serves as a base for more complex variations.
Three-Step: A simplified version of the six-step, the three-step is faster and more compact, allowing for rapid transitions between different moves.
Two-Step: A basic step that requires the breaker to move between a crouched and plank-like position, using momentum to shift quickly.
CCs: The breaker kicks out one leg at a time while alternating their hand positions, creating a smooth, fluid motion that enhances the overall flow.

Footwork is often where breakers add their personal flair, with endless possibilities for variations and combinations. A skilled breaker will manipulate their footwork to match the rhythm of the music, often switching between patterns and creating new moves spontaneously.

Freezes

A freeze is a moment of stillness, where the breaker halts their movement in a dynamic, often visually striking position. Freezes require strength, balance, and timing. They are often used as punctuation marks within a routine or battle, creating moments of tension and control.

Key Freezes

Baby Freeze: One of the first freezes breakers learn, it involves balancing on the head and one hand, with the knees tucked to the chest. It is a stable, low-risk position that introduces the concept of weight distribution.
Chair Freeze: A more advanced freeze where the breaker leans sideways, balancing on one hand with their body supported by the elbow and head.
Handstand Freeze: Breakers balance on one or both hands in an inverted position, creating an eye-catching, high-level hold.
Air Baby: A one-handed freeze that combines core strength and balance, where the body is tilted to one side, with the opposite arm and legs raised off the floor.

Freezes often serve as the climax of a breaking routine, showing control and strength while contrasting the rapid motion of footwork and power moves. Timing is crucial—freezes are often hit in sync with significant beats in the music to maximize impact.

Power Moves

While footwork and freezes are essential to breaking, power moves are the large, acrobatic maneuvers that push the limits of physicality. These moves often involve high-speed rotations, flips, and spins. While many of these moves require advanced technique and physical strength, they are rooted in fundamental concepts of momentum and balance.

Fundamental Power Moves

Windmill: One of the most iconic power moves, the windmill involves spinning on the shoulders while legs are spread in a V-shape, continuously rotating in a circular motion. It is often one of the first power moves a breaker learns due to its foundational importance.
Backspin: A rotational move where the breaker spins on their back. It can be used as a stand-alone move or as a transition into other power moves.
Headspin: The breaker spins on their head in a continuous motion, maintaining balance and momentum to keep the rotation going.
Swipe: A move where the breaker rotates in a horizontal plane, alternating between hand and foot contact with the floor to create a sweeping, airborne motion.

Though power moves are among the flashiest aspects of breaking, they require a strong foundation in control and technique. Breakers often use power moves to impress during battles, and they can be incorporated creatively with footwork and freezes to build intricate combinations.

Combos and Flow

One of the most critical aspects of breaking is how well a dancer can link different elements together to create a smooth flow. Combos are sequences of moves—often combining toprock, downrock, freezes, and power moves—that flow seamlessly into one another. A well-executed combo demonstrates a breaker’s ability to transition between various techniques while maintaining rhythm and musicality.

Flow Techniques

Transitions: Moving between moves (e.g., from a six-step to a freeze) without breaking the flow of the dance.
Threading: Wrapping limbs or threading arms and legs through one another during footwork or freezes to add complexity.
Direction Changes: Shifting momentum and direction in creative ways during downrock or footwork adds variety and unpredictability.

Flow is the key to an engaging breaking performance. While each move is important on its own, the magic of breakdancing often comes from how these elements are combined and adapted to the music, showcasing both technical skill and creativity.

Conclusion

Mastering the basic moves of breakdancing is the foundation upon which all advanced techniques are built. Toprock, downrock, freezes, and power moves each serve a distinct role, but the magic of breaking comes from how a dancer uses these elements to express themselves. Whether it’s the rhythmic flow of footwork, the precision of a freeze, or the explosive nature of power moves, each part plays a crucial role in the culture of breaking.

For any aspiring breaker, understanding and perfecting these basics is the key to developing a personal style and moving on to more complex moves. By mastering the fundamentals, dancers are able to push the limits of creativity, skill, and expression within the world of breakdancing.